Chanel Byzance: Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad ($65.00 for 0.14 oz.) is one of the highest quality eyeshadow palettes I’ve seen the brand put out in the time that I’ve been reviewing their products (about four years). There have been standout palettes released, but Topkapi is no gimmick–it delivers. These are smooth, buttery shades with absolutely zero powderiness that apply like silk and deliver rich color payoff in a single pass. The texture is different from normal Chanel eyeshadow quads–much richer.

As lovely as the colors are and how they coordinate with each other, the shades themselves are not particularly unique. Depending on what your personal stash looks like, it may or may not be worth the splurge. What impressed me most here was the texture of the eyeshadows themselves. The texture is soft without being powdery, smooth and rich in color, and all of these characteristics enable the shades to blend together effortlessly.

I wish they put more product in the palette, though–it’s less than the usual (U.S.) quad, which contains 0.24 oz. compared to the 0.14 oz. weight of this quad. Of course, it’s all in your use, whether it is realistic that you’d even use the 0.14 oz. here or not. It’s $8 more and 0.10 oz. less than their typical eyeshadow quads. (Keep in mind, non-U.S. locations have a different formula, and I believe the weight is much, much less, because they are baked eyeshadows.)

I found the color palette here suited my skin tone quite well–so much so that for a few seconds, I had the urge to get a second one. If I wasn’t a beauty blogger, I could easily see this as being a go-to palette for me. Great eyeshadows exists in a variety of textures, finishes, and shades; my personal favorites are more buttery–the smoothness of a cream eyeshadow but in powder form–like the kind found here (often found in brands like theBalm, Hourglass, Le Metier de Beaute, Urban Decay, and so on).

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I already got mine! My only issue was when I forgot to put on primer and the shadows melted away in the heat 🙁 But when I use UDPP, they lasted great. I am still debating getting a second one while they are still around!

I keep wanting to order this quad, but then I think…well, I have Nars Courdura duo, Kalahari duo, Mekong single and Goldfinger single. Hard to justify it, although having those shades in a quad is easier lol

Love love love this! This may be my first Chanel Quad purchase! At first glance I thought that coppery shade would be too warm for me but when swatched it looks more wearable for my skintone. I am definitely checking this out in store. Thanks for the review 😀

I did mention in the review that they’re dupeable and provided possible dupes as well, but it’s going to depend on what you personally like, will wear, etc. If you don’t own any possible dupes, or maybe just one, it would cost you more to buy 4 full-sized eyeshadows (assuming mid to high end brands) than one palette 🙂 It’s all in what you think is worth it.

I don’t know… The pigmentation looks amazing but the colors of the shadows is something I can find anywhere! And for $65! Pff… I’ve given up on Chanel and switched to Bobbi Brown and I like it a lot more… I was always trying to convince myseld that I did love Chanel products when I really didn’t… It was the thought I was in love with!

Awesome review as always Christine!
I was about to buy this quad but then I thought about all the similar colors that I have in my stash :S ….I’m still thinking on getting it because of the texture… Do you think it might be similar color wise to the Dior Five Golds palette? or the Urban Decay Naked palette?
Thanks!

I know distribution is really limited – for U.S. I believe it is boutiques, very, very select counters, and online (for most of us, that’s where we’ll be able to get it). I couldn’t really get more info about locations from Chanel unfortunately!

Gorgeous presentation and truly beautiful colours (I don’t usually like yellowy gold shades but this one is so beautiful) but considering the quad would probably cost close to $80 here in Canada, I think I’ll wait til we go States-side and buy it there for a lower cost, if it is still available.

Ohhhh I want this!!!! I don’t have many browns and this pallette is TO DIE FOR!!! Not unique but the colors are great, and the look you created just looks beautiful!!!I may have to splurge on this one!!!!